Indiana's men's basketball coach, Mike Woodson, will return for the next season despite a mixed performance and growing pressure. Woodson, who has led the team to a 60-39 record and two NCAA Tournament appearances in his tenure, faced scrutiny over Indiana's current season performance of 16-13 overall and 8-10 in the Big Ten. His contract, featuring a $12.6 million buyout that can be paid in $1 million annual installments, added complexity to his position. Amidst rumors and a petition for his dismissal, Woodson's return is backed by significant NIL support and aligns with the university's historical patience with coaches. Indiana is also managing a substantial football buyout, making a decision against another hefty financial commitment. Woodson's focus is now on making the necessary adjustments to justify the university's faith in his leadership.
Certainly, some complaints about this season have merit. But runaway rumors aside, Mike Woodson was always likely to return. He retains high-dollar NIL support, and history suggested he'd get the same time his predecessors did. Now, that's confirmed: https://t.co/hc1a4SMjPT #iubb
Indiana coach Mike Woodson: “I shouldn’t have to discuss my job. I feel good in my skin about my job.” #iubb
Indiana is already paying a massive football buyout. Going down that path with Mike Woodson after just three years would have would have been difficult to justify. Now, it's up to Woodson to make the critical changes needed to validate IU's faith. https://t.co/YaXcXI6xMV
Indiana men’s basketball coach Mike Woodson will return next season, a source tells The Athletic. The Hoosiers are 16-13 overall and 8-10 in the Big Ten heading into Wednesday’s game against Minnesota. Is it a good call? Our experts discuss ⤵️ https://t.co/B625DC6LTb
Indiana’s Mike Woodson to Return As Head Coach Next Season, per Report https://t.co/mMohEKPgkl
Mike Woodson has a 60-39 record with Indiana. 😶 https://t.co/pCjVJaFmfU
"Two NCAA Tournaments in his first two years. Obviously not this season, but he will be back in 2024-25." —@JonRothstein with an update on @IndianaMBB's Mike Woodson https://t.co/qnSsL0lqJP
I never really understood why Mike (F***ing) Woodson was a hot seat candidate this year, considering he's not only made the past two NCAA Tournaments, but won a game each year. But he'll be back. My guess is with the way his contract is written, its tourney or bust in 2025 https://t.co/YJxwMm7k3k
Program Saved - Indiana Fans Have Already Turned On Mike Woodson, Started A Petition For The School To Fire Him Immediately https://t.co/P3OtuY4QDe https://t.co/Auzz82P8Gt
Mike Woodson's raise has added buyout protections, and a tweak that would make it easier financially for the school to fire him. Our #iubb insider @ZachOsterman found a tweak other schools will surely try to copy. And some coaches would say: No. https://t.co/kbVq6Qm35g
Couple of interesting nuggets on Mike Woodson’s contract in here. He would be owed $12.6 million if Indiana was to let him go — but in a unique wrinkle, the school can pay that in $1 million annual payments if it so chooses. A Bobby Bonilla-esque payout, if you will. https://t.co/lYaCrPbtOv
Mike Woodson on how the college game is played today🥴⬇️ https://t.co/gIQZPT3oJk
Mike Woodson's raise last year came with added buyout protections, but also a caveat unusual to the way IU typically builds its contracts: https://t.co/qYalG0p7kp via @indystar #iubb
Genuinely believe that if Indiana had stayed healthy last season, they could have contended for the 2023 Final Four. Instead, Woodson is or soon will be on the hot seat. https://t.co/Y2SyYXyC6w